Winter walking is serious business, requiring lots of specialist gear to keep walkers safe in snow, mud, and ice. But climbing snowy summits in winter is just one side of the winter walking coin; many of us are much more content enjoying beautiful scenery on leisurely trails. And with more of us than ever turning to walking for its social, physical, and mental health benefits, we say why let colder conditions prevent you from enjoying the great outdoors for 1/3 of the year?

We’re blessed by relatively mild winters in the UK and Ireland, thanks in no small part to the position of our islands. While some areas receive more of a wintery battering than others, we’re often able to enjoy gentle winter walks that don’t require prohibitively expensive gear. We’ve listed 5 important pieces of gear that you should consider investing in to get the most out of your winter walks below, and 3 tips to bear in mind. You should be able to pick all of these items up in a single visit to an outdoors shop.

If this leaves you hankering to get outside to make the most of the winter months, take a look at our Events Calendar.

Before joining one of our Day Walks or Walking Weekends, check our Day Walk & Residential Kit List.

Leisurely Winter Walking Gear

1. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots with thick, warm walking socks

   Invest in decent walking boots and you’ll thank yourself for years to come when you’re walking through wet grass or plunge your foot into a muddy puddle. Nothing hampers a leisurely winter walk faster than wet feet, leaving you feeling miserable, uncomfortable, and at risk of developing blisters.

   Sturdy, waterproof walking boots make winter walking a blast, and buying a good pair needn’t break the bank. We recommend looking at full-grain leather (or a vegan alternative) for your winter waterproofs, and if you find a pair with a waterproof liner (GORE-TEX or similar), all the better. It’s worth noting that all this waterproofing reduces breathability, so these shoes will be best suited for the colder months.

   Make sure you’re looking at boots with a decent tread for gripping wet surfaces. Somewhere between deep treads (best for walking in mud) and lighter tread (better for rocky tracks) will be better suited for leisurely winter walks.

   And finally, thinking about the socks you put on is very important when walking in the winter. You want to ensure a snug fit in your shoes to prevent slipping and protect your ankles, and a good level of warmth.

2. A waterproof rucksack cover and waterproof inner - a plastic bag can do for the latter!

   A rucksack with pockets for every gadget and straps for every eventuality is fine, but without protection from the elements you’ll end up a soggy and unhappy walker. We consider waterproof bag covers essential for winter wanders and, thankfully, they’re inexpensive. Find an elasticated or drawstring waterproof bag cover and keep it somewhere accessible so that, when the weather inevitably takes a turn, you can keep your kit dry.

   For an extra layer of protection, keep anything you may not need during your walk inside a waterproof inner bag - in a pinch, a sturdy plastic bag will do fine. Plastic bags are also brilliant if you need to take a seat on a wet bench, log, or grass.

3. Walking poles

A pair of walking poles are incredibly useful for ascents and descents, but they’re also fantastic for extra support in wetter conditions. Have a practice with yours in the garden or a local park before heading out to make sure you’ve got them at an extension that’s comfortable.

4. Layers

Always opt for several warm layers over one big winter jacket. Layers retain heat more effectively, keeping you warmer for longer, and allow you to add or remove layers as conditions change. We recommend, as a minimum, a good base layer (a t-shirt or similar with wicking fabric), a mid-layer (a lightweight jumper), a fleece layer, and a waterproof jacket.

You’ll also find a pair of comfortable trousers for walking in a much better option than jeans - generally a walking no-no at any time of year. A pair of waterproof over-trousers, of which there are many inexpensive options available, is also a must to have tucked away in your bag for when the weather takes a turn.

5. Neckwarmer

Protecting your neck and chest from a chilly breeze is a must for winter walking. A scarf will do fine in most cases, but we like to use a good quality buff for easy movement and versatility. You’ll want something you can easily pull over your nose and mouth for when you find yourself walking into a cold wind.

Tips for a Perfect Winter Amble

1. Stay flexible with regards to route

   Be ready to try a different and safer route better suited to the conditions if the forecast is looking rougher than expected. It’s always better and more enjoyable to go for something manageable in bad weather.

2. Fuel up, and stay fuelled up!

   This advice goes for walks throughout the year: make sure you’ve had a good breakfast before heading out. Hearty porridge, muesli, or a couple of slices of toast with eggs or peanut butter (or a combination of the above) are a fine place to start. Pack some snacks, like cereal bars and nuts, and always keep your eye out for a tea room selling cakes on your route.

3. Hydrate, and take a flask

   Again, this solid advice for walks throughout the year, but make sure you’ve packed plenty of water. There’s less temptation to guzzle down water at pace in the winter because you often don’t feel as hot, but you’re still losing water as you walk and so it’s essential you replace it often.

   In the winter, it’s often a nice idea to pack a flask of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, a great way to warm up and hydrate at the same time. Pack one big flask and have everybody in your group bring a plastic or tin camping mug for the perfect pitstop.